What travelers to Orlando are saying

“
I didn't even mind the 6PM Rush Hour Traffic on Northbound I-4 in the middle of a line of thunderstorms. I may be too tolerant, but the roadways handle an amazing amount of traffic amazingly well. As to the city, my incursions were limited, but it has some of that old 60's look I grew up in (nearby town) and all the entertainment, even for families--duh! and activities one could imagine, and beyond.
Note, I did not try to drive downtown during rush hour so I can't comment about that, and I've not tried the bus system. ”

william k.Jul 19, 2015

“
Orland will only get busier as summer approaches but there are still a lot to do and see here. Downtown Disney has a lot of construction going on. While I don't doubt it'll be awesome when finished, which is towards the end of 2016, you might want to spend time somewhere else for now. If you do not have a lot of time to spend there(took us almost an hour just from the turn off the main street until we were able to park) I suggest you go to City Walk(at Universal) instead. ”

MariaMay 27, 2015

“
Orlando was awesome. We spend one evening in Universal city walk and we were amazed that we could enjoy so many nice restaurants and even night clubs. Only thing we didn't like was that we were charged $ 17 dollars for parking. Don't they make a lot of money with the park tickets? Next day, we went to Epcot which we enjoyed, too. Some of the pavilions were disappointed because there were only stores, nothing about the culture of the country that it represented. ”

Nelly G.Jun 23, 2015

Orlando, Florida overflows with famous theme parks

The beating heart of Florida, Orlando attracts visitors from all corners of the world and is only a few hours' drive from the state's other major cities including Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and Naples. Home to more than a dozen spectacular amusement parks and hundreds of smaller attractions, it also boasts upscale shopping and delicious dining. A combination of world-class resorts and affordable accommodations has helped establish Orlando as a magnet for families in search of a good-time vacation.

Things to see

Ask anyone what their favorite things about Orlando are and they’ll likely point out its two major draws: Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Beyond these theme park giants, Orlando actually has a whole host of individual amusement parks for guests of all ages, especially adults with the hearts of big kids.

Walt Disney World

What started out as a single amusement park in 1971 proved so popular, it grew into four: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Your favorite movie characters, both old and new, wander around the parks, so be sure to get a picture with the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Riding some of the world's most famous roller coasters can be tiring, so after a long day of seeking thrills, head to Downtown Disney to eat at Fulton's Crab House and catch a movie at the 24-screen AMC theater. Don't forget to stop in The Lego Store, the single largest shop dedicated to anything and everything Lego.

Universal Studios

Both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are appropriate for families and kids of all ages, but if Walt Disney World is better suited for younger children, Universal Studios might appeal more to young adults. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter stirred much excitement in 2010, and now you can even take a walk down Diagon Alley.

Just outside Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures sits CityWalk, which offers visitors movie-themed shopping and dining opportunities such as Bubba Gump Shrimp.

SeaWorld

If it’s been your lifelong dream to swim with dolphins, make it come true at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove. You'll also be able to interact with a huge variety of other animals including whales, exotic birds and fish. Think of SeaWorld as the world's best petting zoo.

Of course, your stay wouldn't be complete without going on SeaWorld's water slides and roller coasters. With a unique blend of entertainment and education, families can spend a whole day here and never get bored.

Legoland

Legoland is a must for Lego collectors of all ages. The park is decorated with custom sculptures, and guests can experiment with millions of different Lego bricks at the Lego Factory. A large botanical garden takes advantage of Orlando's tropical climate.

Hotel price ranges

Each amusement park offers themed accommodations in Florida, but there are plenty more Orlando hotels to suit every budget and taste. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers low rates for spacious and comfortable lodgings, with a free shuttle bus taking you to nearby attractions. For a luxurious stay, the JW Marriot Orlando Grand Lakes treats you to an on-site golf course and eleven restaurants.

Best time to stay

Thanks to its tropical climate, Orlando is home to exotic plants and wildlife not found anywhere else. Bromeliads, palm trees and bougainvillea vines keep the city colorful throughout the year, and mild winters allow the amusement parks to remain open during all seasons.

Millions of families flock to Orlando during the summer, and a significant number head to the city around Christmas. If you want to beat the lines at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, plan your vacation from September to November, or from February to April, when the weather is mild.

Activities in Orlando

Explore everything you want when you want at Universal Studios Florida® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure® , including TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® and much, much more.

Experience both The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Hogsmeade™ and the all-new The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™, now open! Plus, with a Park-to-Park admission ticket you can ride the Hogwarts™ Express* between Hogsmeade™ Station in Universal's Islands of Adventure® and King's Cross Station in Universal Studios Florida®.

You’ll have our entire Universe of action and thrills at your fingertips! Vacation Like You Mean It at Universal Orlando Resort.

Thrills are for sharing! Only Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando gives you more themed, multi-person thrill rides than any other waterpark around. Signature hits like Disco H20™, Brain Wash™ and The Flyer let you share the excitement with family and friends. Families with kids of all ages will have a blast in the largest family water play area in Florida, Blastaway Beach™. Now open, the all new Aqua Drag Racer™. Slide through four lanes of high-speed, head-to-head competition on the tallest and fastest ride of its kind in Florida. Feel the fun, and Share the Rush at Wet ‘n Wild!

Immerse yourself in wonder at SeaWorld® Orlando, where the aquatic world comes alive. Ride the mighty Manta®. Experience the awe-inspiring One Ocean® show. Embark on the epic 3D 360 voyage of TurtleTrek®. And see the world through the eyes of a penguin in the thrilling, chilling adventure of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin®!

* Prices reflect the lowest "base rate" found over the next 30 days. Rates are subject to change and may not include taxes and fees, hotel service charges, extra person charges, or incidentals, such as room service. All rates are displayed in USD unless otherwise noted. Converted rates are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.